Angelena’s celebrates Italian spring with “Limone di Primavera” culinary experience

Lemon tree with the Amalfi coast of Italy in the background. [Photo by Getty Images]

A taste of Southern Italy is coming to the Gulf Coast as Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano hosts its “Limone di Primavera” celebration on Thursday, April 23, offering guests a curated dining experience centered on one of Italy’s most iconic ingredients: the lemon.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the evening will feature an exclusive five-course tasting menu designed by Executive Chef Ian Gillette, with each dish highlighting the bright, aromatic qualities of fresh Italian lemons. The menu will be complemented by thoughtfully selected Italian wines, paired by house wine expert Matt Nichols to enhance each course.

Inspired by the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, the event is designed to reflect the simplicity and elegance of coastal Italian cuisine. From seafood and handmade pasta to grilled meats and dessert, the menu demonstrates the versatility of citrus across a range of culinary applications.

“Our Italian lemon dinner is a tribute to the simplicity and elegance of coastal Italian cuisine,” said Chef Gillette. “Lemon isn’t just an ingredient — it’s a symbol of freshness, warmth and the joy of gathering around the table.”

The evening will open with a Gulf Snapper Crudo, prepared with Meyer lemon, Sicilian olive oil, sea salt, chili and strawberry, paired with a 2023 Benanti Etna Bianco from Sicily. A Charred Asparagus course follows, featuring herb labneh, salsa verde alla verbena and toasted focaccia breadcrumbs, paired with a 2023 Castello di Volpaia Prelius Vermentino from Tuscany.

The third course, Spaghetti al Limone, showcases house-made pasta with lemon and blue crab, accompanied by a 2021 Petilia Fiano di Avellino from Campania. The menu then transitions to a Grilled Hanger Steak served with Roman spring fritella, mint pesto and lemon, paired with a 2015 Tenuta del Cerro “Colpetrone” Montefalco Sagrantino.

The experience concludes with Limone Ripieno, a dessert featuring Amalfi lemon posset, lemon sorbet, olive oil and sea salt, paired with a Massolino Moscato d’Asti from Piedmont.

The five-course dinner, including wine pairings, is priced at $115 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Due to the nature of the event, no menu substitutions will be available.

Angelena’s, located at 101 East Intendencia Street in historic downtown Pensacola, draws inspiration from the city’s Italian heritage, dating back to early immigrant communities such as Giatano Giardina, who settled in the area in pursuit of opportunity. The restaurant is known for its coastal Italian cuisine and extensive wine program.

Bar service begins at 4 p.m., with dinner service offered Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and extended hours on weekends. Reservations for the Limone di Primavera event can be made by calling 850-542-8398 or visiting angelenaspensacola.com.

With its focus on seasonal ingredients, regional flavors and traditional techniques, the Limone di Primavera dinner offers a refined culinary experience that brings the essence of an Italian spring to the Gulf Coast.